500cc vs 600cc

[czakal]

Hi again
So a while ago I commented on how there's not much choice in the 250cc-500cc size class out there (I think for new non-sport or offroad, it's only the CB500F and Duke 390?). Someone mentioned that part of the reason is 600cc bikes, just a little bigger, are quite cheap and plentiful in the 2nd hand market. I took a quick look and 2006 model CB600Fs are going from £2500 asking price on eBay, compared to around 3000 for the relatively few 2nd hand CB500Fs out there, though they're much newer. I'd say it looks like there's not a big difference in purchase price. Does anyone have an idea what's the difference in running costs between 500cc and 600cc? Is there a big difference in fuel economy, insurance cost and maintenance (big engines have more cylinders/spark plugs that need servicing)?

Seb

[oscar777]

Well obv the 500s, like you said are much newer so unfair to compare them heads on to 600s.

Are you looking at standard bikes or supersport?

I was actually surprised how crap my gsxr is on petrol, it sucks the tank dry in no time. Actually everything about it is expensive.

But if were comparing 500 to 600s Id say theres no significant advantage to going with 500. Theres less available on the market and any savings on running costs would probably be offset by higher purchase price. Id say enjoy the extra power and go with a 600.
____________________
Push bike with a 80cc jerry rigged 2 stroke---> CBR125R ---> GSXR600 ---> Ducati 1098SF

[czakal]

Thanks, I'm looking for a standard naked bike--I'm thinking a year or 2 ahead when I may have to replace my 2009 YBR250. I'll probably take your advice and try a 600cc bike (old, but big bikes tend to be fairly well built, and it seems like there's a good choice of 2nd hand machines).

[JoeDougieDoug...]

If you want a 500, but don't want to spend big bucks, I'd suggest looking for a well looked after Honda CB500 or Kawasaki ER5. I had my CB500 for around 6 months and it was a great little bike.... Good on fuel (around 60mpg if riding carefully), it was a carbed twin so fairly cheap to service and plenty of parts available. Very reliable too!
____________________
CBT Passed - 22 / 10 / 11 >> Theory Passed - 16 / 02 / 2012 >> Mod 1 Passed - 07 / 03 / 2012 >> Mod 2 Passed - 18 / 05 / 2012.

[Polarbear]

Definitely a 600. So much choice for so little money although you want a naked 600?

Is that choice or budgetary considerations because there is a hell of a lot more choice if you are happy to look at faired or half faired machinery. Probably no more expensive either.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Yamahampton]

Rgv500........



Nuff said

[bikertomm]

https://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o520/bikerrtomm/20130820_192911_zpsce017205.jpg

Shade over £2400 2 years ago.

Asking about insurance costs is so variable it's not worth doing. Mine however is less than £150 and I'm 22.

Easy to service yourself, extremely reliable and quick for a first bike.

Does around 45MPG or 140-150 miles to a tank!
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[ocatoro]

difference between 40-50 mpg and 50-60... not huge

just get the 6, save you changing up again in future
____________________
CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600